Phi Mu at Northwestern State University is one of many sororities on campus that allows young women to get involved on campus and help others in need through acts of service, sisterhood, and philanthropy. Being a sister not only embodies these characteristics but also enables the women of Phi Mu to grow and make a positive impact on the future.
Caroline Blanchard is a senior health and exercise major who pledged Phi Mu her freshman year. Blanchard aspires to work in pediatric occupational therapy and has a close connection with Phi Mu’s philanthropy, providing funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals like the St. Frances Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria.
“One of the things we get to do is tour the pediatric center in Alexandria, and when we’re there, they tell us, ‘Oh, your fundraiser helped buy this equipment and that instrument,’ and I just love getting to look at all the equipment our fundraiser helped to provide,” Blanchard said.
Blanchard served as Phi Mu’s vice president during the spring and fall of 2025. Her favorite thing about this year was serving with her best friend and mentor, Eileen Ashley. “When I first joined, I never thought I would want a leadership role. I was like, ‘No, that’s not really for me,’ but getting this role helped me find my voice and set career goals. My term is almost over, but I hope to see Phi Mu have more fun activities and chapter engagement,” Blanchard said.
Phi Mu was awarded the President’s Cup, the highest award given to a Greek life organization at NSU, for the first time in five years during Eileen Ashley’s, a senior vocal education major, term as president. Ashley loves being involved on campus and hopes Phi Mu will increase campus involvement.
“I just want Phi Mu to prosper and be involved, because I know all the girls are capable of it. Just grow and let Phi Mu be your root on campus, and just flourish and branch out,” Ashley said.
One of Ashley’s favorite parts of Phi Mu is mentoring her sisters, and she wants to continue her Phi Mu career as a national chapter consultant. “For me, I love being a Big sister. I had an incredibly great Big, and so I wanted to give back. So I have four Littles and a huge fam. I’m so grateful and cherish the Big-Little experience so much,” Ashley said.
Phi Mu experienced a significant growth in membership during their fall recruitment week, with the addition of 40 girls.
Aeryn Doucet is a junior hospitality management and tourism major, and her favorite part about the sorority is seeing new girls enjoy the pledging process. This year, Doucet had the opportunity to serve as Gamma Chi during the College Panhellenic Council recruitment week.
“I got to take a step back from Phi Mu and see the other side of recruitment, but when I got back into the sorority, it was so cool to see people start so early in their Greek life experience and find themselves throughout the year,” Doucet said.
“The most important part about Greek life for me is definitely the service opportunities, because being a part of the sisterhood is one thing, but coming together with a group of like-minded girls and sharing a common goal helps you learn about yourself and how to give to other people,” Doucet said.
Phi Mu is a sisterhood dedicated to supporting their sisters and making a difference within its communities. With both old and new members, Phi Mu continues to grow into a chapter that builds strong connections and shapes lifelong leaders.
